Yesterday afternoon scores of Bay Ridge parents and their children [most from local PS 185] converged on neighborhood cell phone retailer, Verizon Wireless, to demand the corporate telecom giant remove the 10 existing cell phone receivers already placed atop 8701 Ridge Boulevard; while calling on local lawmakers to institute legislation that puts tighter controls on where this equipment can be placed – which they insist be nowhere near schools.

The protest, consisting largely of elected officials, parents with their children and homemade signs in tow (a veritable Ragamuffin G-8 protest) drew significant crowds, due in no small part to an aggressive information drop by organizers.

The march and ensuing picket line remained peaceful with no reports of injuries or arrests.

Verizon’s largely minimum wage, seasonal to temporary workers remained unphased – if just a bit confused by yesterday’s protest…

One employee overheard saying: [I only sell phones, I don't make the towers... free phone if you sign up for an extra line.]